Philippines Ranks 2nd Asia's Fastest Economiic Growth in 2016

The Metro Manila skyline with its towering commercial and residential buildings, depicts a photo of continued economic progress. (Photo by Jacqueline Hernandez) | Manila Bulletin

PH now Asia’s 2nd fastest-growing economy, expands by 6.8% in 2016

The Philippine economy advanced 6.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016, on the back of higher investment and consumption, bringing the full-year growth to 6.8 percent.

Last year’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate makes the country the second fastest growing major Asian emerging economy, with China growing at 6.7 percent.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Ernesto Pernia said this is near the high-end of the government’s target of 6 to 7 percent growth rate for 2016.

While the U.S. and the European Union have criticized President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly drug war and investors have balked at his anti-U.S. rhetoric, his ambitious $160 billion infrastructure plan and push for greater investment is strengthening the growth outlook.

According to NEDA, expansion in investments grew by 15 percent. Public investment through public construction expanded by 23 percent, faster than the 20.1 percent growth in the third quarter.

Private consumption also thrived to 6.3 percent in the fourth quarter, though slower than the third quarter. The growth has been attributed to high consumer confidence, modest inflation and interest rates, and improving labor market conditions.

The World Bank forecast expansion will exceed 6 percent until 2019, among the fastest growth in the world this decade. (With a report from Bloomberg and Manila Bulletin)

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Taiwan will deploy missile in Spratlys downplayed by the Philippines but Sultanate State of Sulu worried

Itu Aba Island (Taiwan: Taiping Island (Chinese: 太平島; pinyin: Tàipíng Dǎo; Vietnamese: Đảo Ba Bình; Filipino: Ligaw/Ligao), is the largest of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea and the only island with a freshwater supply. The island is elliptical in shape being 1.4 km in length and 0.4 km in width. It is part of the Tizard Bank (Zheng He Reefs), one of seven reefs in the Spratly Islands near the centre of the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea)

Taiwan's defense minister has backed a plan to deploy advanced missiles in the island Itu Aba (Taiwan: Taiping, Filipino: Ligao-Ligao, Vietnamese: Đảo Ba Bình) in Spratlys over concerns that rival claimants to disputed islands are building up their arms, a legislator said Thursday.

Kao Hua-chu endorsed a proposal passed by the country's defense committee Wednesday (October 12, 2011) demanding coastguard units in Itu Aba (Taiping) and the Pratas islands -- claimed by China - be armed with Chaparral or Tien Chien I missiles.

"Minister Kao made it clear that he supports the proposal," he was quoted as saying in a statement released by Lin Yu-fang, the legislator from the ruling Kuomintang who pushed for the deployment.

Philippines defense department spokesman Zosimo Jesus Paredes said the country enjoyed good relations with Taiwan and believed its plan to supply missiles to coastguard units in the areas it claims was not a threat to the Philippines.

"We cannot dictate on Taiwan on what or what not to do," However, he said Manila was prepared to "defend to the hilt" islets it has already occupied in the Spraltys.

But when asked whether Manila considered a move towards aggression, he said: "Not really… we should not be over reactive."

However, the lobbying of power the Sultan of the Sultanate State of Sulu and North Borneo; Sultan Kiram is worry of this as he believed that the whole Spratlys is belong to his territory and under his sovereignty and belong to his people majority the Muslim people in Southern Philippines and Sultanate State of Sulu and North Borneo (Sabah).

Sultan Kiram revived his claim and challenged the Philippines government Saturday (October 15, 2011) to support them to take-over the North Borneo (Sabah) from Malaysia which is links to the islands of Palawan and the Spratlys Archipelago.

Sultan Kiram reminded the Philippines that the North Borneo (Sabah) is belong to the Sultanate State of Sulu and Borneo that links Palawan islands and Spratlys Archipelago which rightful owner is the Filipino people after turning-over his rights to the Philippines government in 1967.

He reminded also the majority Christian Filipinos that the North Borneo which is called now as Sabah by Malaysia was illegally captured by Britain and give it to Malaysia without his approval.

Taking-over back North Borneo (Sabah) will give more chance to the Philippines and the Sultanate State of Sulu to control the islands in the Spratlys – Kalayaan Island Group and the southern part of Palawan islands which is also claimed by Kuala Lumpur.

The deployment of advance missile by Taiwan triggered concern to the Sultan of the Sultanate state of Sulu as it is considered as belligerent action of Taiwan might triggers conflict and unwanted war  in his territory in the spratlys.

Apparently mindful of rising regional tensions, Kao said the Taiwanese coastguards may need advanced weaponry rather than the Chaparral which Taiwan first acquired in the 1980s.

"Perhaps Tien Chien I or more advanced air defense missile systems should be given priority since the Chaparral is pretty old," Kao said.

The plan came following a report in July which found that Taiwan's coastguards in the contested waters were vulnerable amid mounting tensions.

Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei, China, Malaysia, and the Philippines claim all or part of the Spratlys, which could lie on top of large oil reserves.

The Taiwanese coastguard currently has a 130-strong garrison on Itu Iba island (Taiping), the biggest island in the Spratlys archipelago.

Lin said the proposed ground-to-air missile deployment would be legitimate, citing the ministry's recent report on the military buildups by Vietnam and other neighboring countries in the area.

Vietnam has deployed thousands of marines in the zone, backed Russia-made Su-27SK and Su-30MK2 fighter jets; Lin cited the report as saying.

"In stark contrast, the Taiwanese coastguards are only equipped with 20-mm air defense guns," he said in a statement.

The defense ministry added that in case of military conflicts, Taiwanese coastguards could hardly defend themselves against the Philippine forces equipped with naval gunboats, Lin added

The Philippines said Sunday it was prepared to defend its claims in the South China Sea, but downplayed a plan by Taiwan to deploy missiles in the area

Paredes stressed the government still believed in pursuing a peaceful solution, but stressed Taiwan's move might be misunderstood by some claimants as provocative.

He said Taiwan's move could be seen as "unsettling" by other claimants to the area, stressing that it should have officially informed them of its plan so as not to escalate tensions.

"I think moves like these should be coordinated (with other claimants) so that we will not be taken aback," he said.

On the other hand, the neighboring countries surrounding Taiwan and Hainan China is on the hand to support the Philippines of its Spratlys claim. Australia and Japan pronounced their support to the Philippines which later the New Zealand followed.

USA as the most powerful ally of the Philippines turnover its Hamilton Class cutter warship to the Philippines to boost its naval patrol in the Spartlys and recently but not yet confirmed by our team, the South Korea will offer also a navy patrol boat to the Philippines to be use in patrolling in the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea).

To follow more consolidate and contributed issues about the Spratlys join the Hikot's Spratlys Page.

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Hiking Experience in Korean Land

Glistening lines of kimchee pots sit above a natural spring, where hikers often refresh themselves

Article & photo by Julie Nariman

In my first month living in South Korea, the only hiking I did was on concrete. However, after I ventured out of the city and began exploring the mountains and countryside, I realized I had been missing out. I wasn’t just hiking up mountains; I was eating watermelon with a group of old ladies, photographing temple paintings, and finding a stone Buddha on a side trail. Hiking was fun, but its side diversions were marvelous.

Some of the loveliest hikes are the smaller provincial and county parks, like Muryeong Valley and Daedunsan. If you want a more intense hike, though, there are plenty. Jirisan is a huge, multi-day trek with breathtaking scenery and mountain huts where you can stay overnight (see below). On the other hand, Gyeongju’s Nam-San is a midget at 494 meters (1,600 feet). But this small mountain, with its 87 ancient Buddha figures, is the most interesting museum I’ve ever seen. Imagine grabbing a rope and swinging down a large rock to see an 800-year-old stone Buddha.

One of the best places to begin your hike is at a temple, which is often built on or near the base of a mountain. You are free to walk around and enjoy the ancient pagodas and Buddha sculptures. Monks are usually friendly and willing to answer your questions if either one of you speaks the other’s language.

On all mountains, ajumas and ajashis—middle-aged men and women—speed-walk in high tech hiking gear. On smaller mountains, they actually pump iron at workout centers on the summits. The same intense hikers will stop at a mountain spring to savor the cold water and then carefully place the communal drinking ladle back on its hook.

Koreans take hiking seriously, but they also enjoy it. The mountains themselves have clean trails, thudding waterfalls, and thoughtfully-named features like “Rice Steamer Rock” and “Three Fairies Pond.” Also, some of the best eating in Korea is near the mountains. Specialties are handmade tofu (“son-dubu”), whole duck or whole chicken soup (“O-ri bek su,” “Bek su”), mountain vegetables over rice (“san-che-bi-bim-bap”), and a grilled mountain root that’s tastier than it sounds (“do-dok-goo-ee”). Even with all the good food, Koreans still pack a picnic and will probably share with you if you’re alone. When I hiked Jirisan, I was offered red peppers, plums, coffee, kimbap (rice and vegetables wrapped in seaweed), kimchee, and frozen watermelon.

Certain things can make your trip easier. You should know a few basic phrases in Korean, and definitely learn hangul, the Korean alphabet. It takes most people less than a week to learn and is necessary for map-reading and directions. And definitely use a map. At most national and provincial parks, you can get one at the entrance for free or for 1,000 won ($1). Also, dress like you’re hiking. Don’t wear sweatpants that look like pajamas or jeans with holes. The more you look like you’re supposed to be hiking, the less Koreans will worry about you or, worse, glare at you. If you’re alone, you might get adopted anyway; most Koreans find it strange when people hike alone, especially women. At the Youngnam Alps, a family I met on the trail offered me chocolate and then informed me—quite firmly—that I would be hiking with them.

That evening, I enjoyed a delicious raw fish dinner with their extended family, and later slept soundly in their 10-year-old son’s room.

Public transportation in Korea is excellent, with frequent and inexpensive bus and train service. Lodging is also a bargain, at 20,000 won to 50,000 won ($20 to $50) per night. Yeogwons are inexpensive motels where you can choose a room with a Western bed or floor-heated “ondol” room with thick mats and comforters you spread out on the floor. Many yeogwons are also “love motels,” but that shouldn’t be a deterrent—you’ll just get a free toothbrush and a condom. Minbaks are similar to yeogwons, but are actually attached to private homes, and sometimes have shared facilities, like kitchens or bathrooms.

Korea is a land of contrasts. A college girl might wobble up a trail in pink high heels, leaning on her boyfriend’s arm. But don’t snicker too loudly; on the next steep hill a bent old grandmother will blaze past you. Just say “annyong haseyo” (“hello”) and keep trudgi

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Land of the Morning Calm

Woraksan

I between 1988 and 2001, I lived in Korea for 8 of those 13 years. During that time I came to know, respect and love the Korean people. I empathize with them over their divided country and with their proud heritage. I learned the language and attended university there and am an avid buff of recent Korean history.

I lived in the Pyongtaek area, but was fortunate enough to own a car and was able to travel the entire country while I was there. I have climbed Soraksan, been to Dragon Valley Ski Resort, the beach at Pusan, Sashimi in Mokpo, the east coast cliffs and camping at Woraksan National Park (even did some trout fishing there).

In the future, I will expand my Korea page to include places that I have spent time in in Korea and give you the reader insight into different parts of Korea. I already have a Seoul travel guide because it is an entity unto itself. I hope you enjoy the rest of my entries.

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South Korea Tourist Attractions

Some of the popular tourist destinations in South Korea are as follows:

Andong:

This is a town famous for its aristocrats and old culture. Tourists visit this town to see the Andong Folk Village and Folk Museum, which exhibits relics of ancient Korean culture. Restaurants in this town serve traditional Korean food, so you can try eating what the locals do. Just north of Andong is Dosan Seowon, which is a famous Confucian institute. West of the town is the Hahoe Maeul Folk Village, which is worth a visit. If you are in Andong during autumn, make sure you take the time out to see the Mask Dance Festival. It should not be missed under any circumstances.

Busan:

This port city is the second largest metropolis in South Korea. You should visit the Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park from where you will be able to get a fantastic view of the entire city. Another place where tourists flock is the UN Cemetey where the UN soldiers of the Korean War are buried. If you are interested in going to the famous Jeju Island, the Busan is the place from where you can depart.

Jeju Island:

The island is just 100 kilometers away from the mainland and it will transport you to a completely different world altogether. The infrastructure and accommodation is fantastic and the government has taken care to ensure that all tourist facilities are available here. With its lovely beaches, coastal waterfalls, hot springs, scuba diving and fishing facilities, this island is very popular with tourists. Do not forget to absorb a little bit of the local culture by visiting the Folkcraft and National Museum, and Jeju Folk Village Museum. The tallest mountain, Mount Hallasan, in entire South Korea is located on Jeju Island, and it is home to the imposing and beautiful Crater Lake.

Seoul:

Besides being the capital of South Korea, Seoul is also the main political and economic hub of the country. Seoul is truly an anomaly where modern architecture and ancient architecture blend together in total harmony. It is quite common to see a modern skyscraper standing right next to a monument or a palace. Do not forget to visit the Summer Palace to see some of the finest work of art and architecture.

Haeinsa:

The holiest Buddhist shrine in Korea is located in Haeinsa. The ninth century Buddhist temple is located in the Gayasan National Park, you can see the entire scriptures printed on 81,000 wooden blocks. However, the blocks are out of reach and you can just view them through a slatted window.

Articles and photos owned by: Cybertraveltips

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Kimchi in Korea

KIMCHI

It is the most common side dish served in Korea and it eaten along with rice and other side dishes. Kimchi is also a common ingredient in dishes like Kimchi Stew and Kimchi Fried Rice.

The history of Kimchi dates back to more than 2,600 years ago. Even an ancient Chinese poetry book makes reference to this dish. The earliest form of this dish was made from cabbage, and it is only in the 12th century that spices were introduced into the dish to create flavors like sweet and sour.

In most forms of Kimchi, chili peppers are a common and important ingredient. Chili peppers were introduced into Korea in the early 17th century and since then the most common form of Kimchi consists of a variety of Chinese Cabbage and chili peppers.

Kimchi is considered to be quite healthy. In fact, a US magazine named this dish as one of the top five of the world’s healthiest foods. The dish is rich in vitamins and due to the various vegetables, it high in dietary fiber. In addition, it is low in calories. Kimchi provides 80 percent of the daily requirement of ascorbic acid and carotene.

Kimchi is rich in Vitamin A, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Calcium, and Iron. It is believed that the dish also aids in retarding the growth of cancer. However, some research has proved that eating high-sodium diet can lead to gastric cancer and Kimchi does contain large amounts of sodium. However, an oncological study has shown that one type of Kimchi, if consumed, can prevent against gastric cancer, while two other types which are rich in sodium can be risk factors contributing to gastric cancer.

Article & photos owned by: Cybertraveltips

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7,101 Wonderful Islands in the Southeast Asia, Philippines

A perfect place to stay in the world is in the Pear of the Orient seas of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao Philippines. The essence of paradise is the fragrance in every island you step. When you count to step island 1 to island 7,101 you might lost in the middle for over-joy and satisfaction of the friendly nature Philippines.

If you visit the first island at the age of 11 you would finish stepping 7,101 islands at the aged of 35, could you still measure the satisfaction to live life in the paradise? That’s the 7101 island in the Philippines? Have you think of Duca bay, Dakak Park Beach Resort, Siargao Island, San Jose Surigao Del Norte, Boracay, Cebu, Palawan, Bohol, and many more. The Places is not just to visit and to travel but to live until the last breath of your life. Those mentioned places are just nothing compared to the virgin palm fringed beaches in the country and natural beauty of nature which not yet touch by man.

The Philippines is a tropical climate of Asia. There is no Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn because the weather in the Philippines is just Sunny and Rainy season with temperature of tropical places which you don’t need to wear jacket for cold, you dint need to use umbrella so you could taste the sweet rain and no need to go to anywhere because all and everything you need is there. Traveler around the globe found this Philippines as it magnificent natural beauty made by nature not by man. Dream of your travel to the Philippines and you would love do it to the rest of your life.

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Travel Around The World

Travel Around the World Now.

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